Guitarist Zakk Wylde recently sat down with the folks over at Metal Hammer to discuss everything from playing with Ozzy Osbourne, being brought up Catholic, his battle with alcoholism and more.
During the interview, the 55-year-old guitarist also shares his memories of PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell, who was close with Zakk up until his untimely death on December 8, 2004.
“Dime had a massive heart and just loved seeing everybody have a good time,” says Wylde. “He was like Santa Claus with a pink beard; I think about him all the time. First time I met Dime was at Donington when I was with Pride & Glory [in 1994]. Pantera’s set was amazing, the power they had was unbelievable, and we became buddies after that show. We talked all the time.”
Zakk also touches on discovering the music of BLACK SABBATH at the age of 11, from the 1975 compilation album “We Sold Our Soul For Rock’N’Roll”.
“Not even a real Black Sabbath record!” he laughs. “I was beyond terrified; I’d been raised Catholic and by halfway through that record I’d turned full Satanist. By the end I’d gone back to Catholicism just so’s I could thank God for creating Black Sabbath, ha ha ha!”
You can read the full interview in the new issue of Metal Hammer when it goes on sale on March 3.